'Be careful': Justice Neil Gorsuch issues strong warning to Biden over Supreme Court reform plans
WASHINGTON, DC: Recently, President Joe Biden introduced a series of comprehensive reforms aimed at the Supreme Court. These proposed changes include implementing term limits for justices, establishing a binding code of conduct, and introducing a constitutional amendment to limit presidential immunity.
Biden's proposals stem from concerns over "recent ethics scandals" involving justices as well as rulings that have overturned long-standing legal precedents.
Justice Neil Gorsuch's cautionary response to Joe Biden's proposals
In response to Joe Biden’s proposals, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch voiced significant concerns. In an interview with Fox News, Gorsuch underscored the importance of preserving the independence of the judiciary.
He stressed that the judiciary serves as an essential check on executive power, saying, "It's there for the moments when the spotlight's on you when the government's coming after you. And don't you want a ferociously independent judge and a jury of your peers to make those decisions? Isn't that your right as an American?"
Gorsuch ended with a clear warning to the president: "So, I would just advise caution."
Gorsuch, a conservative justice appointed by former President Donald Trump, underlined the unique role of the United States judiciary.
"I'm not saying that there aren't ways to improve what we have. I'm simply saying that we've been given something very special. It's the envy of the world, the United States judiciary," Gorsuch noted.
Justice Neil Gorsuch's new book launches amid controversy over Supreme Court reforms
The timing of Justice Neil Gorsuch’s remarks coincides with the promotion of his new book, "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law."
In an interview with The Associated Press, Gorsuch elaborated on his views regarding the balance of law, stating, “Too little law and we're not safe, and our liberties aren't protected. But too much law and you actually impair those same things.”
Gorsuch was the first of three Supreme Court nominees appointed by Trump, contributing to a conservative majority on the Court.
This majority has played a key role in several landmark decisions, including overturning Roe v Wade, ending affirmative action in college admissions, expanding gun rights, and restricting environmental regulations aimed at addressing climate change and pollution.
Biden's rationale for proposing these reforms includes addressing what he views as ethical lapses among the justices and Supreme Court decisions that have dismantled established legal protections.
The White House highlighted Biden’s vision, stating that "no one—neither the President nor the Supreme Court—is above the law."
Joe Biden to unveil reform proposals in Austin amid skepticism from divided Congress
Joe Biden is set to officially present his reform proposals in a speech in Austin, Texas. However, the likelihood of these proposals passing through a deeply divided Congress is slim, especially with the upcoming election in less than 100 days.
Despite legislative obstacles, Democrats are optimistic that Biden's proposals will connect with voters and become a key issue in the upcoming presidential election.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the presumptive Democratic nominee, has framed the election as a critical choice between "freedom and chaos."
Biden's call for reforms includes eliminating lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court and instituting 18-year term limits for justices, with a new appointment every two years. He argues that these changes would ensure regular turnover and predictability in the Court’s composition.
Biden also advocates for a code of ethics for Supreme Court justices, which would mandate disclosure of gifts, prohibit public political activity, and require recusal in cases of conflicts of interest.
Additionally, Biden seeks a constitutional amendment to reverse the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on presidential immunity, which declared that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for actions within their constitutional powers, the Daily Mail reported.
